A TEENAGER has died and another was left injured after a head-on crash between motorbikes.

Sixteen-year-old Gary Snowdon, of Ash Crescent, in Seaham's Parkside estate, died after his trials bike was in collision with another off-road bike being ridden by a second youngster.

The accident happened at about 7.45pm on Monday, when both teenagers were riding 125cc machines on unlit Edith Street, behind the football ground, in Dawdon.

A police spokesman said it appeared that the teenagers had both been riding their bikes on the road when, for some inexplicable reason, they collided.

Gary, who sustained multiple injuries, was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he was certified dead.

The second teenager, also aged 16, who has not been named, was taken to the same hospital, where he is receiving treatment for a broken leg.

After the accident, police at Seaham confirmed that the riding of trials bikes on unauthorised roads and tracks had become an increasing problem in and around the town.

Sergeant Stephen Taylor said there had been growing concern over recent months that someone would be seriously injured.

The problem, he said, was particularly acute on a route between Dawdon and Hawthorn Quarry, and along coastal tracks.

He confirmed that a meeting between the police and landowners was planned for the near future, in an attempt to try and resolve the problem.

Sgt Taylor also revealed that about 50 trials bikes had been seized by police in the area - many in a dangerous condition and all, he said, would be crushed.

Police appealed for witnesses to the accident which cost Gary Snowdon his life.

Neighbours in Parkside offered their sympathy to his family.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone 0191-386 4929